EMMA PATON has hit back at Gary Anderson and James Wade after defending Sky Sports’ coverage of Luke Littler.
The teen sensation burst onto the scene at last year’s World Darts Championship, going all the way to the final before losing to Luke Humphries.
Despite being just 17-years-old, Littler has since wrapped up several stunning victories including the Premier League.
And he kicks off his second Ally Pally campaign tonight in a bid to secure darts’ top prize.
However, fellow slingers Anderson and Wade reckon too much media focus has been on Littler.
On previous occasions, they have both expressed concern over how the teen has taken on so much attention – simultaneously drawing the limelight away from world champ Humphries.
But Sky Sports ace Paton has fired back at Anderson and Wade in a robust defence of her broadcaster.
The fan favourite hosts live coverage of the WDC on TV.
Paton has enjoyed interviews with Littler and Humphries on multiple occasions.
And she believes Sky Sports’ coverage of both men has been fair, with both aces achieving so much in the past 12 months.
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Paton told The Mirror: “Yeah, I do (think Humphries has had enough credit). And I think he’ll be happy with it too. I can only talk for our Sky coverage.
“He’s been a fantastic world champ, and if you speak to people, it’s 50/50 over who their favourite (Luke) is for the World Championship.
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“I don’t think there’s been any question marks over his year. For large periods he (Humphries) has been the best on the planet.
“I would say he’s been the most consistent and most reliable. I think we talk about him at length.
“I think for some people, the Littler stuff gets a bit convoluted. We’re talking about an incredible sporting story.
“If we go back 12 months, he was ranked 164th in the world and had barely played on a big TV stage. Then, at 16, he goes and makes the World Championship final.
“I know he didn’t win it but 12 months on he’s up to fourth in the world. I can’t think of a comparison in another sport about how ridiculous it is.
“It’s really hard to put into context that achievement. It’s one you don’t see often, maybe ever. It’s his impact on the sport.
“He’s taken it to places it’s never been to before. The interest from last year hasn’t dwindled. I think what Anderson and Wade got confused about was we’re talking about this in the context of sport and what that means.”
